MercyMe
“Coming Up to Breathe”
INO Records
13 tracks @ 65:19

After MercyMe scored a front page article in the April 27th New York Times’ Arts section, a music writers group that I belong to went nuts over the implications of that particular snapshot.

The NYT article focused on the band’s OK but not great music and lyrics and the fact that MercyMe sells a fair amount of records.  Interestingly, I recently received an email touting MM’s success on the Billboard music charts.  I will admit that the worldly emphasis in Christian music on sales and chart position is regrettable; what does any of that have to do with saving souls and helping others in need?  As the first two chapters in Ecclesiastes would remind us, an emphasis on worldly accomplishments is ultimately “vanity,” pointless.

Regarding the music, one Christian writer in my group was upset that Christian music listeners seem to settle for the lowest common denominator while much good music goes unnoticed at Christian bookstore (without, regrettably, mentioning any examples of good music).  Another writer, doing his best John the Baptist impersonation, raged that he would be the “lone voice” crying in the wilderness for good art and that God doesn’t care about lousy art. Also, in a moment of overblown self importance, this writer (who also writes for a major Midwestern daily), said it was his job to tell readers what music is good and what music is bad.  I guess that writer was upset that not enough people listen to him, or they do listen but prefer to think for themselves when buying music.

Of course what any of those responses fail to acknowledge is that the NYT article, as all news stories are, is just a snapshot.  Borrowing from 1 Samuel 16, while man judges outward appearances, “the Lord looks on the heart.” 

This then begs the question, “Where is MercyMe’s heart at?”   Glimpses are available. The May, 2006, issue of CCM Magazine has MercyMe on its cover.  The feature article talks about the band’s families and some of their all-too-real daily struggles.  There’s a look at one member’s efforts at adoption in Kazakhstan; the relationship between the members of the band and their crew members and also some of the group’s musical influences.  Beyond that snapshot, the booklet for “Learning to Breathe” provides information on The Go Foundation, which is described as “a resource created to connect you with hundreds of mission opportunities.”  Doesn’t that all sound like the characteristics of a Christian heart?

At the moment I’m not quite certain where all of this is going. Perhaps it’s a call that we as writers/bloggers/so-called critics/etc could do a better job (more thorough?) in our commentary.  Many Christian musical artists have a lot more going on than just their music.  For example, I’m giving serious consideration to the idea that when I conduct interviews for my music video program, I want to focus some attention on the artist’s other areas of ministry and not just on their music.

Now, is “Learning to Breathe” worth listening to?  Yes.

Sonically the band rocks more than the group’s previous records.  “So Long Self” takes a detour into the Beatles “Sgt Pepper.” The choir on “Bring the Rain” sounds like something Hillsong would do while “One Trick Pony” has a bluesy feel and some nice layered harmonies.  “3:42:am” has one of the better bass lines that I’ve heard in contemporary Christian music while “Last One Standing” has some keyboards right out of Wings’ “Band on the Run.”

Lyrically there’s nothing profound here, nor is any scripture provided for any of the songs. The writer for the NYT did note that for a Christian record it seemed “strange” that Jesus was mentioned only once.  However, I did a count and “God” and “Lord” show up in at least six songs, far more than some other Christian records that I’ve reviewed.  Song themes include living without fear, “Safe and Sound,” and how one’s life can become clear and have meaning, “I Would Die for You.”

Stick around for another eleven minutes after the last track for a short but goofy tune which offers some good advice.

This record has generated a lot of buzz about the role of Christian music and that can be a good thing.